JAMMU, Feb 13: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Friday asked the government to amend existing laws to strengthen action against food adulteration after over 12,000 kg of rotten meat and thousands of kilograms of sub-standard cheese were seized across Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to questions by National Conference MLAs, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the Assembly that 12,183.5 kg of rotten meat worth over Rs 29.19 lakh was destroyed during 1,676 inspections in 2025-26 (till December). Additionally, 7,665 kg of adulterated cheese worth Rs 16.32 lakh was seized in the Jammu region.
Out of 144 meat samples tested, one was declared sub-standard and 17 unsafe. Of 173 cheese samples, reports for 157 were received, with 47 declared sub-standard and one unsafe. The minister acknowledged staff shortages in food-testing labs in Jammu and Srinagar, stating that 22 of 38 sanctioned posts remain vacant and will be referred for recruitment after finalising rules.
The department has intensified inspections, testing and punitive measures, including licence suspension and prosecution. Action has been initiated against 18 food business operators in districts including Jammu and Srinagar.
As members raised concerns over enforcement gaps and police coordination, Rather urged the government to plug loopholes through legislative amendments, asserting that “public health cannot be compromised.”
MLAs across parties called for stricter penalties, better inter-departmental coordination and stronger preventive mechanisms to curb adulteration. (Agencies)
